I can not continue to pay $25/hr to have 12 hours of help for my mom. It has literally has diminished my savings. There is an online site that has experienced caregivers wanting $10 to $15/hr but they do not have insurance, or in NJ if you do not work with an agency you no longer have a valid license for CHHA or CNA. I am very concerned about hiring someone without any type of protection in case they hurt my mother in some way or hurt themselves in my home or steal from my home. I am bringing my mother to live at my home for a while, I can not continue to take care of her home and mine as well. Any suggestions?
I would have had to have a commercial workers' comp policy at a cost of $750 - $1000 per year.
I believe it might be different in different states though.
Otherwise, you do run the risk of the caregiver being injured while on your property, and facing the ramifications of that. On the other hand, I know of people who've hired private, uninsured caregivers and never had a problem.
The other issue is one of validation and background check. Agencies generally run local, and/or state, and sometimes federal background checks. I don't know if an individual can run a background check on a potential caregiver.
Then there's the issue of whether or not you'll pay this person as an independent contractor, or take deductions and have to file with your state and the IRS.
It's really a difficult dilemma. I wish I had a better answer for you, but hiring uninsured private duty is a gamble.
Can you or your loved one qualify for Medicaid? I'm not conversant on it but believe that it might have some home care help. Others with more Medicaid knowledge than mine might offer better suggestions.
I'm very sorry to hear about the emotional and financial strain. I know the costs of hiring private care is a lot. Have you considered moving your mom into assisted living or a nursing home? Selling your mom's house to finance this change?
I know its not an easy decision. I have the same concerns as you about hiring a private caregiver to come into the home. I know some people take the risks and it works out great but there have also been horror stories.
I hope others can provide more insight.